Newfoundland #31 : Odd Color? Paper Variety?

Here is a stamp that I just picked up : Newfoundland #31 but a variety of a color that I have not seen.

I wanted to share the image but also ask two specific questions for any one (but in particular GPORTCH and Unitrade Editor).

Question 1 : I was told by the dealer that this is "dull blue" which is british terminology for "pale blue" and a variety not in Walsh, Scott or Unitrade. I was also told that the shade has been "noted" but not reflected in catalog yet. Apparently, there is reference to this variety color in Gibbbons and/or Robson Lowe. It has a certificate but I am a "doubting Thomas" in general and wondered if anyone had information. It is beautiful stamp in any case, and VF with NH.

Question 2: is there a stout paper version of this stamp? 31a is listed in Unitrade, and I believe that I have one version (and 7 of the thin paper version). I was recently told by another dealer/BNAPS member of great esteem that it is now generally accepted that the stout paper version does not exist. Another dealer has said it does. I'd be specifically curious to hear from anyone who has a cert for this stamp attesting to it; or from Unitrade editor; or GPORTCH : were I to send all 8 copies of my stamp to Graves, in order to establish whether I have a stout paper version--is that achievable?

Thanks in advance to any and all comments.

WOW tommy..Impressive..I am no expert on NFLD stamps, hope someone has the answers you are looking for..You even influenced me..I am no concentrating on Nova Scotia stamps now..The (tommy) bug has bitten me...haha

Whom was the certificate issued by? A recognized expertisation organization or a company? I'm always suspicious of orgaizations that just use their initials.

They also need to learn (as do many others) that printing in all capital script lettters is a hindersnce to reading and comprehension.

Glenn Estus

Hi Tommy

My knowledge of this stamp is limited to the information available in my personal reference library.

I checked Robson Lowe, Boggs, Jarrett and Walsh and discovered the following:
1) none of these sources states any colour varieties
2) each agrees that two different papers were used - a thin yellowish paper and a white wove paper
3) the description "stout" is used only by Robson Lowe and with the accompanying statement that the stamp printed on stout paper is a very rare stamp and that 99.9% of the examples sold are actually the yellowish paper with the thick yellow gum removed.

I think that the best answer it to submit your suspected stout paper to the Greene Foundation for examination and certification. Because it catalogues at $250, the fee is $30. If you wish to send your other samples of the stamp it may prove helpful as I don't know how many are in our reference collection.

GJP

Tommy..This link states "stout" paper...
http://www.vistastamps.com/products...e/index.html

Thanks to all.

The certificate is from a CPEJ (not well known but it came with the stamp)

GPortch--thanks for the info. I don't have the Lowe book and was going to go to the library to see. I'll probably bundle them up and send to VGG because I am really curious on the color and paper mystery.

Unitrade Editor? I'm dying to know if you or your colleague have information on this. I've corresponded directly with Gary Lyon but curious what you think.

Hey tommy..getting this stamp below for FREE...Jealous..??..haha
You probably got a dozen of them already..

Nice one. I am jealous, because I have never met a Newfie stamp that I could not justify buying.

I like the large 3 margins and the overall color freshness.

Is the tiny greenblue discoloration from the back--a mark from a prior owner?

I hate to ask this--but what is the back like? Gum, no gum, hinge, no hinge...

Thanks for sharing

Tommy. I believe in a previous post unitrade editor said he wasn't going to post anymore and if anyone had a question to email him directly.

tommy ....here is the back...getting it in a couple of days...Its used...